Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
09:27
Multicellular Human Alveolar Model Composed of Epithelial Cells and Primary Immune Cells for Hazard Assessment
Published on: May 6, 2020
Hepatitis B infection following deployment to Angola
A M Croft1, J E Ollerton, N T Fear
1Headquarters Fifth Division, Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. ashley.croft810@land.mod.uk
Journal of the Royal Naval Medical Service
|January 29, 2009
Summary
Two British personnel contracted hepatitis B during a UN mission in Angola. Medical officers should recognize this viral illness in military staff deployed to tropical regions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Military deployments to tropical and subtropical regions pose risks for acquiring infectious diseases.
- Understanding the clinical presentation and long-term outcomes of HBV in deployed personnel is crucial.
Observation:
- Two British military personnel developed hepatitis B following a 3-month United Nations mission in Angola.
- The clinical illness and long-term follow-up of these cases are detailed.
- The exposure occurred during deployment in a subtropical region.
Findings:
- Acquisition of hepatitis B infection occurred during the mission.
- The clinical course and long-term sequelae of the infection were monitored.
- The cases highlight a potential risk for military personnel.
Implications:
- Medical officers require awareness of hepatitis B as a potential diagnosis in military personnel returning from tropical or subtropical deployments.
- Early recognition and management of hepatitis B are essential for preventing chronic infection and long-term complications.
- This case series underscores the importance of pre-deployment health assessments and post-deployment surveillance for infectious diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:18Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted primarily by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. After transmission through a mosquito bite, the virus initially replicates in skin-resident immune cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells then migrate to the lymph nodes, where viral replication increases, eventually leading to...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...